3rd place
bronze star award
Marcus Peel
united kingdom
title
You Have Beautiful Veins
Following a full recovery and an antibody test, I decided to donate my blood plasma. I’ve always had an irrational fear of needles so I was feeling quite anxious on the day. As I sat back, the nurse set me up and analysed my veins for the best one. “You have beautiful veins”, she said. That’s a first, I thought! Her warmth and compassion helped alleviate my anxiety.
During lockdown, life slowed right down. I started to notice more within my immediate surroundings. On my many walks during the time, I also noticed a grove of Sweet Chestnut trees and the pronounced patterning on their trunks – its latticework geometry.
My intention was to anthropomorphise the trees, focusing on their web of veins, and recreate the feelings that I experienced during self-isolation and the plasma donation; feelings of solitude, vulnerability and the unknown.
Architecture serves as his inspiration. It is compatible with the way that he views the world and how he responds to it through the camera. He is a perfectionist at heart which is fundamental to his photography; both in the observation of light and form, as well as composition.
Derived from personal intrigue, he takes a more investigative approach. He strives to go beyond the ordinary to photograph the extraordinary and enjoys creating a blur between the real and the surreal. He loves abstraction.
He is a purist when it comes to the treatment of his photographs and how he represents each subject, always aiming to preserve authenticity.
First introduced to photography at secondary school, Marcus took the opportunity to explore through study, and soon discovered his interest in form, geometry, symmetry, and abstraction.
Towards the end of his photography degree at The Surrey Institute of Art and Design, he began assisting two architectural photographers, an experience which confirmed his desire to pursue architectural photography. In 2000, he began his career as a professional photographer.
Clients include advertising agencies, design companies, PR companies, artists, architects, interior designers, property developers, hotel groups and luxury brands.
His work is seen in publications, including; Architectural Digest, RIBA Journal and Wallpaper*. He has also been interviewed about his work by photography and architecture magazines and online platforms.
Marcus has won numerous awards including Best in Category in the AOP Photography Awards, Gold in Px3 and Silver in the Graphis Photography Annual. He has held exhibitions at a variety of galleries including Anise Gallery, London, Espace Dupon, Paris and Splashlight Studios, New York.
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entry description
I am one of the lucky ones. In March 2020, I contracted coronavirus but my symptoms were no more severe than flu. The seven-day self-isolation was a surreal experience – to be imprisoned within my own home - but it was also quite familiar because of the solitary nature of my work. It was also an opportunity for reflection and contemplation.Following a full recovery and an antibody test, I decided to donate my blood plasma. I’ve always had an irrational fear of needles so I was feeling quite anxious on the day. As I sat back, the nurse set me up and analysed my veins for the best one. “You have beautiful veins”, she said. That’s a first, I thought! Her warmth and compassion helped alleviate my anxiety.
During lockdown, life slowed right down. I started to notice more within my immediate surroundings. On my many walks during the time, I also noticed a grove of Sweet Chestnut trees and the pronounced patterning on their trunks – its latticework geometry.
My intention was to anthropomorphise the trees, focusing on their web of veins, and recreate the feelings that I experienced during self-isolation and the plasma donation; feelings of solitude, vulnerability and the unknown.
about the photographer
Marcus Peel (b. 1977, England) is a London-based photographer and works on commercial assignments and fine art projects.Architecture serves as his inspiration. It is compatible with the way that he views the world and how he responds to it through the camera. He is a perfectionist at heart which is fundamental to his photography; both in the observation of light and form, as well as composition.
Derived from personal intrigue, he takes a more investigative approach. He strives to go beyond the ordinary to photograph the extraordinary and enjoys creating a blur between the real and the surreal. He loves abstraction.
He is a purist when it comes to the treatment of his photographs and how he represents each subject, always aiming to preserve authenticity.
First introduced to photography at secondary school, Marcus took the opportunity to explore through study, and soon discovered his interest in form, geometry, symmetry, and abstraction.
Towards the end of his photography degree at The Surrey Institute of Art and Design, he began assisting two architectural photographers, an experience which confirmed his desire to pursue architectural photography. In 2000, he began his career as a professional photographer.
Clients include advertising agencies, design companies, PR companies, artists, architects, interior designers, property developers, hotel groups and luxury brands.
His work is seen in publications, including; Architectural Digest, RIBA Journal and Wallpaper*. He has also been interviewed about his work by photography and architecture magazines and online platforms.
Marcus has won numerous awards including Best in Category in the AOP Photography Awards, Gold in Px3 and Silver in the Graphis Photography Annual. He has held exhibitions at a variety of galleries including Anise Gallery, London, Espace Dupon, Paris and Splashlight Studios, New York.
back to gallery